Washington / New Delhi ( The COW News Digital)In a major geopolitical and economic development, India has reportedly agreed to stop importing oil from Russia following heavy trade tariffs imposed by the United States. The move comes after weeks of mounting pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration, which had expressed strong disapproval of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him New Delhi would gradually end oil imports from Moscow. “Prime Minister Modi has assured me that India will no longer buy oil from Russia,” Trump told reporters. “I was not happy with their position on Russian oil, but this issue has now been resolved.”
According to the U.S. president, Washington had imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian exports, raising the overall tariff level to a record 50 percent. The measure, described by the White House as a necessary step to “correct trade imbalances,” has dealt a significant blow to India’s export sector, particularly in textiles and technology.
President Trump maintained that India’s energy trade with Russia indirectly supports the Kremlin’s war effort in Ukraine. “India is buying Russian oil in large quantities and even reselling it for profit,” he said. “They don’t seem to care how many innocent people are dying in Ukraine because of Russian aggression.”
While acknowledging that India cannot immediately cease oil imports from Russia due to existing contracts and domestic demand, Trump claimed that New Delhi would phase them out soon. “They will stop soon,” he said confidently. “This is about standing on the right side of history.”
In addition to trade and energy matters, President Trump also urged U.S. tech giant Apple to reconsider its manufacturing operations in India, citing concerns over economic dependence and national interests.
The decision marks a potential shift in India’s foreign policy, which has long sought to balance its relations between Washington and Moscow. Analysts believe the latest development could realign India closer to the U.S.-led Western bloc while deepening its participation in the so-called “new strategic order” emerging under the Trump administration.
With tariffs still in place and energy supplies under scrutiny, both nations now face the challenge of maintaining economic stability while navigating a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
